Patent Grant
11510454
The application claims priority of European patent application No. 18425106.4 filed Dec. 27, 2018, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The invention relates to a locking and unlocking device in order to form an interface between a shell base and an upper cuff of a sports boot, in particular of a ski boot, the upper cuff being articulated in rotation around the shell base. The invention also concerns a sports boot, in particular a ski boot comprising a locking and unlocking device of this type.
For the practice of skiing, sports boots are known comprising a shell base and an upper cuff articulated in rotation around the shell base. The shell base envelops the foot below the ankle, whereas the upper cuff envelops the bottom of the leg above the ankle. The articulation between the shell base and the upper cuff permits easy insertion of the foot in the boot, as well as natural walking, since the articulation of the ankle is not blocked. When the boot is being used in descent for the practice of downhill skiing, the articulation between the shell base and the upper cuff must be blocked in order to control the skis efficiently.
In order to block or release the articulation between the shell base and the upper cuff, use is known of a locking and unlocking device also known as a “ski-walk” device. These devices comprise a lever which can be actuated by hand, and make it possible to choose between two configurations of the boot. The first, so-called “ski” configuration blocks the articulation between the upper cuff and the shell base. The second, so-called “walk” configuration releases the articulation between the upper cuff and the shell base.
However, the locking and unlocking devices known in the prior art comprise some or all of the following disadvantages:
The objective of the invention is to provide a locking and unlocking device which eliminates the above disadvantages, and improves the locking and unlocking devices known in the prior art. In particular, the invention makes it possible to provide locking and unlocking devices which are simple to produce, reliable, robust, light, compact, and easy to manipulate. Another objective of the invention is to make it possible to obtain a walking configuration which permits sufficient amplitude of movement for the comfort of the user.
For this purpose, the invention is based on a locking and unlocking device in order to form an interface between a shell base and an upper cuff of a sports boot, wherein the upper cuff is articulated in rotation around the shell base, characterised in that the locking and unlocking device comprises an actuation element, a lock and a rear deflector, the said actuation element being mobile between a first position and a second position, controlling the position of the lock and the position of the rear deflector such that:
The invention also relates to a sports boot as such, in particular a ski boot, comprising a locking and unlocking device of this type.
The invention is defined more precisely by the points below.
1. Locking and unlocking device in order to form an interface between a shell base and an upper cuff of a sports boot, wherein the upper cuff is articulated in rotation around the shell base, characterised in that the locking and unlocking device including: an actuation element, a lock and a rear deflector, the said actuation element being mobile between a first position and a second position, controlling the position of the lock and the position of the rear deflector such that:
These objectives, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment provided by way of non-limiting example in relation with the appended figures, in which:
In all of the figures and in the description, account is taken of a boot supported by means of its sole on a horizontal ground. The axis X designates the longitudinal axis. In progression towards the front, and in the straight line, a user of the boot progresses from the rear forwards according to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The axis X is oriented from the rear towards the front. The axis Y designates the transverse axis of the user. The axis Y is oriented from the left towards the right according to the viewpoint of the user. The axis Z designates the axis perpendicular to the axis X and to the axis Y. The axis Z is a vertical axis when the user is on a horizontal ground. The axis Z is oriented from bottom to top. The axes X, Y and Z form an orthogonal point of reference.
The ski boot 1 comprises a shell base 2 which can envelop the foot below the ankle, and an upper cuff 3 which can envelop the bottom of the leg above the ankle. The ski boot can also comprise a comfort liner (not represented) interposed between the shell base and the foot of the user and between the upper cuff and the foot of the user, as well as means (not represented) for tightening the upper cuff around the bottom of the leg and/or the shell base around the foot. The shell base and the upper cuff are each made of a wall, advantageously obtained by injection of plastic. The ski boot 1 comprises an articulation in rotation 4 between the shell base 2 and the upper cuff 3. In particular, the articulation in rotation 4 can be produced by means of bearings provided in the shell base 2 and in the upper cuff 3. These bearings are thus positioned at the height of the medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus and co-operate with shafts (not represented), such as screws or rivets. The axis A1 designates the axis of rotation of the upper cuff around the shell base. The axis A1 is substantially parallel to the transverse axis Y.
The ski boot 1 comprises a locking and unlocking device 5, which is represented in particular in
The locking and unlocking device 5 is secured on the upper cuff 3 and co-operates with the shell base 2 in order to block or release the articulation in rotation. The ski boot can thus be in two distinct configurations. In a first configuration known as the “ski” configuration, the articulation in rotation between the shell base 2 and the upper cuff 3 is blocked, and the transmission of the forces from the foot to the boot and to the ski is optimal. When the user has a foot inside the boot in the ski configuration, the articulation of his ankle is thus blocked. It can be noted that a low amplitude in the articulation of the ankle may persist because of the rigidity of the materials used for the production of the ski boot. In a second configuration, known as the “walk” configuration, the articulation in rotation between the shell base 2 and the upper cuff 3 is released, i.e. it is free, or in other words not blocked. When the user has a foot inside the boot in the walk configuration, he can move the articulation of his ankle, which allows him to walk with the ski boots or to progress on the snow with the skis worn, in particular in the practice of cross-country skiing. It can be noted that the amplitude of movement of the ankle can nevertheless be limited by front and rear stops of the ski boot, in particular between the shell base and the upper cuff. Thus, the amplitude of movement of the ankle inside the boot in the walk configuration can be less than the amplitude of natural movement of the ankle. It is nevertheless greater than the amplitude of movement of the ankle inside the boot in the ski configuration. The ski boot 1 and its locking and unlocking device 5 in the ski configuration are illustrated in
With reference to
It can be noted that the support 40 is not represented in
The rocker 10 comprises a first end oriented downwards, and a second end oriented upwards. The first, low end is equipped with a hooking means 11 which can co-operate with the shell base when the rocker 10 is in the locking position. More specifically, at the rear and in the middle, the shell base comprises a groove 7 which is oriented transversely. This groove can form an assembly in a single piece with the shell base 2, or it can be an element secured on the shell base. According to the embodiment illustrated, the groove 7 is an added-on element which is secured on the shell base by means of two inserts which co-operate with two holes with a corresponding form in the shell base 2. The hooking means 11 is constituted by a protuberance which extends substantially along the longitudinal axis. When the ski boot is in the ski configuration, the protuberance is placed in the groove 7. The abutment of the protuberance on an upper edge of the groove prevents the upper cuff from pivoting forwards. The abutment of the protuberance on a lower edge of the groove prevents the upper cuff from pivoting rearwards. Consequently, when the protuberance is in place inside the groove, the articulation between the shell base and the upper cuff of the ski boot is blocked. As a variant, it would be possible to envisage any other form for the co-operation between the rocker and the shell base. For example, the hooking means 11 could be a recess or a groove which co-operates with a protuberance of the shell base, thus preventing the movements of the upper cuff relative to the shell base.
The second, high-end of the rocker 10 is equipped with a first means 12 for connection to the torsion spring. More specifically, the first connection means 12 is formed by a groove which extends transversely. This groove is substantially oriented upwards and receives a first end 31 of the torsion spring 30. Advantageously, the torsion spring 30 is always more or less constrained, irrespective of the configuration of the ski boot. Thus, the first end 31 of the torsion spring remains in place in the groove without risk of escaping from it. As a variant, the first end 31 of the spring could be secured on the rocker via a recess provided for this purpose at the end of the rocker. Also as a variant, the means 12 for connection of the rocker to the torsion spring could be designed such that a larger part of the spring than its end 31 alone co-operates with the rocker 10.
The rocker 10 is mobile between a locking position in which it blocks the upper cuff 3 in rotation relative to the shell base 2, and an unlocking position in which it releases the rotation of the upper cuff 3 relative to the shell base 2. The locking position is illustrated in particular in
In addition, the rocker 10 also comprises a protuberance, for example in the form of a tooth or an outer rim 13, which acts as a support for a lower rim of the upper cuff 3. The outer rim forms a projection which extends longitudinally rearwards, and comprises a length of the order of greatness of the thickness of the wall which forms the upper cuff.
The lever 20 is a part, preferably in a single piece, comprising a wheel 21 and a handle 22. The handle 22 constitutes a means for manual actuation of the device 5 for the user. Lever 20 is mobile in rotation around a second rotational shaft 42, between a first position and a second position. The second rotational shaft 42 is integral with the support 40, and extends parallel to the transverse axis Y. The second shaft 42 is fitted such as to rotate on the support 40, which itself is secured on the upper cuff. The second shaft 42 is thus also fitted such as to rotate relative to the upper cuff. The second shaft 42 also extends parallel to the first rotational shaft 41 of the rocker 10. The first shaft 41 and the second shaft 42 are thus positioned at a fixed distance relative to one another. The wheel 21 has globally the form of a cylinder, and the second rotational shaft 42 passes via the axis of revolution of this cylinder. The wheel 21 comprises a second connection means 23 which co-operates with a second end 32 of the torsion spring. This second connection means 23 is eccentric relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel 21. According to the embodiment presented, this means is constituted by a hole which is oriented transversely, and co-operates with the second end 32 of the spring 30. Finally, the wheel 21 also comprises a third connection means 24, which co-operates with two connection arms 60. The third connection means 24 is formed by a shaft which is oriented transversely, and projects from the two sides of the wheel 21. The shaft is eccentric relative to the centre of the wheel 21, and is positioned substantially at the base of the handle 22. The two connection arms 60 each comprise a circular hole 61 which co-operates with this shaft. As a variant, the two connection arms 60 could each comprise two protuberances or pins in order to co-operate with a recess/bore provided in the wheel 21. The connection arms 60 thus form a means for connection between the lever 20 and the deflector 50, the operation of which will be described hereinafter. It can be noted that the wheel 21 can comprise locally a recess 25 which makes it possible in particular to avoid any interference of contact with the rear deflector during the rotation of the wheel 21, whilst lightening the wheel.
The handle 22 projects rearwards from the ski boot. When the ski boot is in the ski configuration, the lever 20 is in the first position, and the handle 22 extends globally rearwards and downwards. When the ski boot is in the walk configuration, the lever 20 is in the second position, and the handle 22 extends globally rearwards and upwards. Between the first position and the second position, the lever 20 can perform a rotation of approximately a quarter of a turn. Advantageously, the collar comprises an opening 8 at the rear, facing the lever 20, such that the handle is easily accessible. The handle can be actuated directly by hand or via the tip of a ski pole. For this purpose, the handle advantageously comprises an opening which makes it possible to block the tip of the ski pole. In a variant, the opening can permit the passage of a strap, for example made of textile, which facilitates the gripping of the lever by the user in order to actuate the device.
The torsion spring 30, which could also be known as a “kickover spring”, comprises a series of coils 33 between the two ends 31, 32. The torsion spring 30 is means with resilient torsion. It is designed to be thrust according to a rotational torque parallel to the axis of the coils. The coils are contained in an envelope in the form of a cylinder, the axis of revolution of which is oriented transversely. Thus, the torsion spring can be thrust according to a rotational torque around an axis parallel to the transverse axis Y.
The rocker 10, the lever 20 and the torsion spring 30 are designed such that, when the lever is in its first position, the rocker is in the locking position, and, when the lever is in its second position, the rocker is in the unlocking position. The locking position and the unlocking position of the rocker are kept stable under the effect of the spring 30, i.e. the torsion spring tends to retain the rocker in the position in which it is located. In fact, when the lever goes from the first position to the second position, the second connection means 23 to which the second end 32 of the torsion spring 30 is secured describes a circular movement. According to this circular movement, the second end 32 of the torsion spring approaches the first end 31 progressively, then reaches a maximal extent of approach, then moves away from the first end 31. Consequently, the rotation of the lever from the first position to the second position gives rise to loading of the torsion spring by torsion in the direction of winding of the coils, then to relaxation of the torsion spring. The same phenomenon of loading followed by relaxation occurs when the lever goes from the second position to the first position. Thus, the locking position and the unlocking position of the rocker are positions of the rocker in which the torsion spring accumulates the least energy, and these positions are thus stable positions.
The displacement of the rocker is driven by displacement of the lever, by means of the torsion spring. The force which is applied by the user on the lever is transmitted to the rocker by means of the torsion spring. There is therefore no direct contact between the rocker and the lever, or a rigid part interposed between the lever and the rocker transmitting to the rocker the force applied by the user on the lever. The spring 30 is retained only by its first end 31 which is connected to the rocker and by its second end 32 which is connected to the lever. The ends 32 of the spring are positioned in recesses or holes provided in the rocker. The torsion spring is not in contact with other elements of the ski boot. Finally the torsion spring 30 is used both to stabilise the locking and unlocking positions of the rocker, and to transmit a force on the lever to the rocker.
The support 40 is an element of the locking and unlocking device 5 which is secured integrally on the upper cuff 3 and supports different elements of the locking and unlocking device 5. The support 40 is interposed between the collar, which is behind it, and the rear deflector 50 which is in front, along the longitudinal axis. The locking and unlocking device 5 is thus protected from the exterior by the upper cuff 3, and on the interior of the boot by the rear deflector 50. The support 40 is secured on the upper cuff 3, firstly via two circular holes 43 at the top of the support, through which there can pass two screws or two rivets engaged with the upper cuff. Secondly, the support is secured on the upper cuff by means of the first shaft 41. In fact, the first shaft 41 acts not only as a rotational shaft for the rocker 10, but also co-operates with two openings 9 provided in the upper cuff 3, as can be seen in particular in
The rear deflector 50, which could also be known as a spoiler, is an element which can envelop the rear of the bottom of the leg, i.e. the bottom of the ankle. The rear deflector can be positioned in the cut-out 6 provided at the rear of the shell base 2, as represented in particular by
This displacement of the rear deflector 50 will now be described. The two connection arms 60 connect the rear deflector to the lever, such that the first position of the lever retains the rear deflector in its low position, and the second position of the lever retains the rear deflector in its high position. The two connection arm 60 extend from the wheel 21 as far as the resilient control means 70, which itself is connected to the rear deflector 50. The two connection 60 are substantially identical, and are arranged vertically on both sides of the wheel 21. Each arm comprises two circular holes 61, 62 at each of its two ends. The first circular hole 61 co-operates with the third connection means 24 of the wheel 21. The second circular hole 62 co-operates with a fourth connection means 71, which can be seen in particular in
When the lever 20 is displaced from its first position to its second position, the third connection means 24 is displaced upwards. The two connection arm 60 are also displaced upwards. The resilient control means 70 and the rear deflector 50 are then translated upwards according to the slide connection imposed by the co-operation of the studs 51 with the oblong openings 45. The rear deflector then releases at least partly the cut-out 6 which is provided at the rear of the shell base 2, as represented in
According to an advantageous embodiment, the rear deflector 50 additionally comprises two lateral surfaces 55 which are designed to be supported on the rear surface of the shell base, then a central part in relief which is designed to occupy the free space of the cut-out 6. This part in relief forms two lateral surfaces in relief 54 which are designed to be supported against the surfaces disposed in the thickness of the lateral walls of the cut-out, at the edges 66 of this cut-out. These lateral surfaces in relief 54 are oriented in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the lateral surfaces 55, these two surfaces together thus forming a shoulder. This shoulder guarantees the good positioning and good retention of the rear deflector relative to the shell base in the two, longitudinal X and transverse Y directions in the position for the practice of skiing. This construction of the connection by means of a double stop of the shoulder type between the spoiler and the shell base allows the shell base to have globally rigidity similar to that of the shell bases of the prior art, without a cut-out. It can be noted that the lateral surfaces 55 form fins which cover the rear surface of the shell base, thus participating in the function of a stop and co-operation of the rear deflector and the shell base.
As a variant, the rear deflector could have another form, in particular at its support surfaces forming a stop of the shoulder type on the shell. In fact, any other configuration making it possible to obtain a stop in the two, longitudinal X and transverse Y directions could be suitable, including by means of a single inclined support surface. Also as a variant, the shoulder described could have another form. According to a simplified variant, the stop of the rear deflector could exist only in the longitudinal direction, in order to guarantee that the rear deflector does not pass through the cut-out 6 towards the interior of the shell base, where it would be liable to strike the leg of the skier.
When the rear deflector 50 is in the high position, the co-operation between the rear deflector and the shell base is totally modified. In particular, the rear deflector no longer completes the missing portion of the shell base at the cut-out. On the contrary, a pressure forwards exerted by the rear deflector on the shell base deforms the lateral high parts of the shell base delimiting the cut-out, thus permitting an advance of the rear deflector. Thus, when the bottom of the leg of a user exerts flexure forwards, a pressure is offset to the rear deflector by means of the upper cuff, thus inducing deformation of the shell base, in particular of the walls or edges 66 which border the cut-out 6. This results in amplified clearance forwards of the bottom of the leg, and in facilitated walking.
The resilient control means 70 is an element of the intermediate locking and unlocking device 5 between the two connection arms 60 and the rear deflector 50. It has a substantially parallelepiped form, and can slide below the bridge 45 of the support 40. It can deaden displacement of the rear deflector downwards or upwards relative to the upper cuff 3. The rear deflector is mobile relative to the resilient control means 70, upwards and downwards from an intermediate position.
The resilient control means 70 is represented in particular in
Finally, thanks to the invention, a ski boot is obtained equipped with a locking and unlocking device which is at the same time reliable, stable, light, compact and simple to manipulate. In addition, the combination of an element for locking/unlocking of the upper cuff and a synchronised rear deflector makes it possible to increase the amplitude of the articulation between the upper cuff and the shell base of the boot in the walking phase, thus improving the comfort of the boot, as previously explained.
It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described. The cut-out in the shell base is positioned in the upper rear part, and has a surface area sufficient to obtain the effect required. For this purpose, the cut-out extends over at least a third of the height of the shell base in its rear part. In addition, it has a lateral opening which is sufficient to release the bottom of the leg. It will be appreciated that the rear deflector can comprise any form other than that of an aforementioned “V” or “U”. The shell base can also adopt any complementary form, in particular its cut-out positioned at its upper end in the rear part.
The locking and unlocking device has been described with a lever. As a variant, any actuation element, which controls, preferably simultaneously, the displacements of a rear deflector and a rocker, could be used. Similarly, the device has been described with a rocker: the latter could have another form, forming a lock which can block the rotation of the upper cuff relative to the shell base. The spring which connects the lever to the rocker, and thus more generally the actuation element to the lock, could have a different form. It could be longilineal, with its coils being oriented in a direction perpendicular to the torsion spring represented. The spring could be any other spring. Advantageously, the rear deflector and the lock are distinct from one another. They are in the form of two distinct parts, not in the form of an assembly in a single piece. The locking and unlocking device thus comprises a first mechanical connection between the actuation element and the lock, and a second mechanical connection, distinct from the first mechanical connection, between the actuation element and the rear deflector.
As is apparent from the preceding description, the locking/unlocking device solves the technical problem of improvement of walking by means of a rear deflector 50 which is mobile facing a cut-out in a shell base of a sports boot.
It can be noted that a solution of this type also has an advantage apart from its association with a locking/unlocking device. In other words, a device comprising only a deflector and a mechanism which permits its mobility, preferably by means of translation or sliding, between at least two positions, also provides an advantageous solution to the technical problem of improvement of walking.
Thus, the invention also relates to a device, characterised in that it comprises a rear deflector which is mobile in translation between a low position and a high position, such as to co-operate with a cut-out in a shell base by closing this cut-out in the low position, and by releasing this cut-out at least partly in the high position.
This device can comprise any actuation means, i.e. the one previously described on the basis of the lever 20, or any other mechanism, in particular without the rocker previously described, and/or with a different spring, acting only on the lever.
Thus, the invention also relates to a device, characterised in that it comprises a rear deflector 50 which is designed to be fitted such as to slide vertically relative to an upper cuff 3, the rear deflector 50 being mobile between:
The said device can comprise a resilient control means 70 which can damp a displacement of the rear deflector 50 downwards or upwards relative to an upper cuff 3.
The said resilient control means 70 can comprise a runner 72 which can slide vertically relative to the rear deflector 50, and a resilient means 73, in particular a spring, the resilient means 73 comprising two ends, each end of the resilient means being able to be supported either on the runner 72 or on the rear deflector 50, such that the resilient means 73 is always thrust in compression when the rear deflector 50 is displaced downwards relative to the runner 72, or when the rear deflector 50 is displaced upwards relative to the runner 72.
The device can comprise a support 40 on which there is fitted the means for actuation of the rear deflector, and comprising at least one groove 45 which can guide the rear deflector 50 according to a slide connection.
The rear deflector can have a curved form which is designed to envelop the rear of a leg.
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|---|---|---|---|
| 18425106 | Dec 2018 | EP | regional |
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| Entry |
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| European Search Report and Written Opinion dated Jun. 13, 2019 issued in counterpart application No. EP18425106; w/ English machine translation (17 pages). |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200205509 A1 | Jul 2020 | US |
